Music icon Mwanjelwa to be laid to rest in Mbeya

DAR ES SALAAM – RENOWNED Tanzanian musician Tabia Mwanjelwa, one of the earliest female stars in the country’s music industry who passed away over the weekend in Germany, will be buried in Mbeya region.

Speaking during a recent interview her son-in-law, Seyduu Rasta, disclosed on Tuesday that Tabia who was living in Saarbrücken, Germany, for many years underwent minor neck surgery shortly before her health suddenly deteriorated and was hospitalized, then her condition worsened unexpectedly, leading to her passing on.

“The family delayed announcing her death to allow sufficient time for arrangements and to minimise distress among family members abroad.

The decision was made to ensure that all necessary preparations were in place before sharing the tragic news with the public,” he said.

“We needed to finalise certain protocols before releasing the news officially.

The delay was important to handle logistic and emotional matters delicately, given the significance of the loss to the family and the community,” he narrated.

Mwanjelwa rose to fame in 1983 as a member of the Maquis du Zaire Band, based in Dar es Salaam. She was celebrated for her unique soprano voice, reminiscent of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Abeti Masikini and South Africa’s Miriam Makeba.

Unlike many female artists of her time, Tabia was also a skilled guitarist, a trait that set her apart in the male-dominated Tanzanian music scene. Born in Mbeya, Southern Tanzania, Mwanjelwa captivated fans with her chart-topping hits, including Nabwela Mziko Lya Zambia, Jane Nahangaika, and Maisha ni Safari Ndefu, which dominated East African music charts in the 1990s.

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Her contributions to the industry paved the way for future female musicians like Nana Njige, Rahma Shally and Kida Waziri.

Tabia’s life, however, was marked by tragedy when she relocated to Germany with her daughter Jane Mwanjelwa after her son John Mwanjelwa mysteriously disappeared while in the care of a babysitter.

This heartbreaking incident is believed to have influenced her decision to leave Tanzania permanently.

Her remains will be repatriated to Tanzania for burial in Mbeya, her birthplace, as per the family’s wishes. The late musician leaves behind two children, and a legacy as a pioneer for female artists in Tanzania’s music history.

The Tanzanian music fraternity mourns the loss of this iconic figure who contributed immensely to the growth of the industry and inspired generations of artists.